Blue-eyed Indian beauty, Kanika Chandok, is an inspiring all-rounder and nominee for the coveted Arts & Culture Award at the forthcoming Asian Women of Achievement Awards, taking place at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
The awards celebrate the often unsung Asian heroines of British life, celebrating Asian women making a huge contribution in fields as diverse as business, entrepreneurship and social and humanitarian work.
Kanika Chandok is a multi-talented lady, she’s a fashionista, socialite and also a talented musician.
At just 29 this formidable woman combines independence, strength and maternal instinct with style and charisma. Sharing a close relationship with the fashion house, Pucci, Kanika is currently working on exclusive collaborations with the respected label.
“I am doing something great with Pucci, which is every girl’s dream!” she says. In addition, the glamorous, multi-tasking mother is also currently launching her singing career, recording her debut album in collaboration with international artist, Dr Zeus.
You’re an international music artist, designer and fashion icon. If someone met you for the first time, how would you describe yourself to them?
Kanika Chandok: I am a very family orientated person and totally devoted to my husband and three children. To me, family comes first after which I think that my ambitious and driven nature tends to dominate. I would describe myself as a very creative and passionate individual who wears my heart on my sleeve and I hope that this transpires into my music and designs.
When did you discover your talent for singing and was it a career path you’ve always wanted to pursue?
Kanika Chandok: Music is incredibly close to my heart… I started singing when I was just 6 years old and learnt Indian Classical Vocal for 12 years, finally graduating with a Masters degree. Although singing was prominent in my life as a child, having performed on Indian TV channels throughout, it was only in my teens that I knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a career.
After moving to London and starting a family, I was finally in a position when my three children were able to be in full-time school and I was able to pursue my dream professionally. After having performed at various functions, I was approached and given the opportunity to make my international debut which is a dream come true!
We understand that you will be releasing an album in the future, tell us about this.
Kanika Chandok: My debut album is scheduled to release worldwide in the next few weeks. It is a unique mix of Sufi and modern Hindi pop in collaboration with Dr Zeus. I have great aspirations for this album and I can’t wait to hear the feedback from the general public as well as music critics.
What other artists do you admire or draw inspiration from?
Kanika Chandok: I draw inspiration from such a wide and diverse group of musicians and I think this is because I have travelled so much throughout my life. Highlights for me include the iconic Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, legendary Indian film music director RD Burman and the inimitable Celine Dion. They have such enviable, global and dedicated fan bases – a fan base I would want to achieve one day!
Tell us about your role with Emilio Pucci.
Kanika Chandok: I can’t divulge too much information on the subject at this particular moment but I share a very close relationship with the brand and am doing something very special and exciting with them in the near future. Watch this space!
It must be a great honour to be nominated for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, how is your preparation for the awards going, how are you feeling and have you decided what you are going to wear yet?
Kanika Chandok: I am so dedicated to my work at any given time, and it has often been a challenge juggling the various ‘roles’ my life involves. That’s why I feel very humbled and thankful to be recognised in such a way and for such a prestigious award. It reminds me to thank my ‘guru’, staff, family and friends for their dedication, support and encouragement that has helped bring me to this profound point in my life.
I am extremely excited about the awards ceremony and have chosen to wear a bespoke dress created by Emilio Pucci to mark such a grand occasion.
You are known for your style and fashion sense, who and what are your favourite Asian and Non-Asian designers and brands?
Kanika Chandok: I love mixing up my wardrobe between high street pieces and designer labels. I believe that you should wear the clothes rather than the clothes wearing you.
Some of my favourite designer brands include Alexander Mcqueen, Jason Wu and, of course, Emilio Pucci.
When I turn to the high street, I love J brand Jeans, COS, the classic staple – Zara – and I adore rummaging through the vintage selections at Portobello Market in London. In terms of Asian designers, I wear a lot of Rohit Bal, Abu – Sandeep as well as a lot of my own label ‘KANIKA’.
Being a mother of three could be described by some as being the toughest of all your roles, how do you find to do everything?
Kanika Chandok: I think it’s all about organising oneself. I emphasise my philosophy of ‘quality, not quantity’! My children are all at full-time school now so I make sure to manage my time in order to spend as much quality time with them as possible. My day starts with a sit-down family breakfast and the school run, followed by a full day’s work just in time to pick the children up from school, eat dinner together and have that quality family time before bedtime. I love being a mother, so it never comes as a struggle for me.
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